It helps that I live here, but I study Japanese. Hoping that I'll be able at a level where I can make my way through some Saturn RPG's by the time I head back home next year.

Hey, I do the same, but I don't have the benefit of living in Japan. I visit often though and anytime immersed in the language helps tremendously (as you no doubt already know). I'm not at the level where I can do a Saturn RPG yet (not even close). Kanji is a killer, but mastering japanese would completely open up the saturn library. If you ever do get through any of the games, I'd love to hear your reccos.

To stay on topic, second recommendation for learning a new language. Japanese is on Duolingo now.